As we stepped off the plane and into Hanoi’s bustling streets, the city’s vibrant energy caught our attention. It has a rich history, captivating culture, and delicious food. We knew we were in for an amazing adventure. In just 4 days, we aimed to find the hidden spots and must-see places that make Hanoi special.
We planned to explore the lively Old Quarter and dive into the city’s history and culture. Our guide is perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. It will help you enjoy every moment in this enchanting city.
What To Do In Hanoi For 4 Days Key Takeaways
- Explore the bustling streets and indulge in the vibrant street food scene of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
- Discover Hanoi’s rich history and culture by visiting iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
- Immerse yourself in tranquil oases within the city, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Botanical Gardens.
- Venture beyond the city limits to experience the traditional crafts and stunning landscapes of nearby villages.
- Indulge in Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife and explore the city’s night markets and lively beer streets.
Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Old Quarter
Start your 4-day Hanoi trip by exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter. This area is the cultural heart of the city. You’ll be surrounded by the lively energy of street vendors, colorful shops, and the smells of street food.
Wander the Bustling Streets and Indulge in Hanoi Street Food
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of Hanoi’s street food. Try the famous pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup, and the tasty banh mi, a French-influenced sandwich. Look for hidden spots like family-run eateries and street food stalls as you walk through the narrow alleys.
Explore Train Street and Dong Xuan Market
Visit Train Street, a unique spot where a train goes right by the buildings. See the amazing sight of the train going through the narrow alleyway. Then, go to Dong Xuan Market, the biggest indoor market in Hanoi. It’s a great place to shop for local products, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
“Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter is like stepping back in time, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience.”
| Activity | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi Old Quarter Exploration | 2-3 hours | Free |
| Hanoi Street Food Tasting | 1-2 hours | $5-$10 per person |
| Train Street and Dong Xuan Market Visit | 1-2 hours | Free |
Sapa 1 Day Tours
- 1 day experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Rice fields, valleys & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 2 Day Tours
- 2 days 1 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 3 Day Tours
- 3 days 2 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 4 Day Tours
- 4 days 3 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields & villages
- Private tours – Less Touristic
- Vegan-friendly
Discover Hanoi’s Rich History and Culture
Start your journey through Hanoi’s captivating past. Dive into the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a place that honors Vietnam’s leader, Ho Chi Minh. See the impressive architecture and learn about his big impact on the nation.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Surrounding Attractions
Walk through Ba Dinh Square to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Then, check out the Presidential Palace, known for its French colonial style. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a simple home that shows his humble beginnings. End your tour at the One Pillar Pagoda, a 11th-century Buddhist temple.
Explore the Temple of Literature and Fine Arts Museum
Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university. Admire the architecture and learn about the country’s education history. Then, go to the Fine Arts Museum to see Vietnam’s art scene. You’ll find beautiful paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts, showing the country’s artistic side.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum | A revered site honoring the life and legacy of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. |
| Temple of Literature | Vietnam’s first university, showcasing the country’s rich educational history. |
| Fine Arts Museum | A treasure trove of Vietnamese art, featuring paintings, sculptures, and traditional handicrafts. |
Explore Hanoi’s history and culture by visiting these attractions. From the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the lively fine arts museum hanoi, you’ll understand and appreciate Vietnam’s heritage more.
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – William Faulkner
Experience Tranquil Oases in the Heart of Hanoi
In the busy streets of Hanoi, there are quiet spots that offer peace. Start your day with a walk around the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. This place is a symbol of Hanoi’s beauty.
Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake and Visit Ngoc Son Temple
Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by tall trees and old pagodas. It’s a stunning view. Don’t miss the Ngoc Son Temple on a small island in the lake. It’s full of history and culture.
Walking by the lake, you’ll see amazing views and the daily life of Hanoi’s people. You’ll see locals doing tai chi and visitors taking pictures. The lake shows a peaceful side of the city.
Relax at the Botanical Gardens and VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium
After seeing Hoan Kiem Lake, go to the calm Botanical Gardens. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and many plants. Find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the peacefulness.
Then, visit the VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium. It’s a modern place that shows the beauty of the sea. You’ll see colorful sea creatures and learn about ocean conservation.
These peaceful spots in Hanoi show you a different side of the city. They balance the city’s busy life, giving you a full experience of this amazing place.
Venture Beyond the City Limits
On your fourth day in Hanoi, it’s time to see the craft villages outside the city. You’ll enter a peaceful countryside. Here, you’ll learn about Vietnam’s culture by visiting the Bat Trang Pottery Village and the Van Phuc Silk Village.
Discover the Art of Bat Trang Pottery
Bat Trang is a beautiful village near Hanoi, famous for its pottery. As you walk through the village, you’ll see potters at work. They shape, mold, and decorate their pottery with great skill.
They make everything from vases to teacups. Each piece shows the mix of old traditions and new ideas that make Bat Trang pottery special.
Explore the Silk Wonders of Van Phuc
Next, head to Van Phuc Silk Village to see how silk is made. You’ll see how they get silk from silkworms and turn it into beautiful fabrics. The process is detailed and fascinating.
Then, check out the local markets. You’ll find silk scarves, clothes, and home decor. Each item shows the skill and creativity of the Van Phuc artisans.
These villages let you see Vietnam’s cultural heritage up close. You’ll feel the rural life and appreciate the artisans’ talent and hard work.
What to do in hanoi for 4 days
As the sun sets over Hanoi, the city comes alive at night. Dive into the vibrant nightlife and check out the many activities available. There’s a lot to do in the evening.
Immerse Yourself in the Nightlife of Hanoi
Hanoi’s nightlife mixes traditional and modern vibes. Go to Ta Hien Street, also called “Beer Street.” Enjoy fresh draft beer and tasty street food with the locals.
Visit the Night Markets and Beer Street
Feel the energy of Hanoi’s Hanoi night markets as you walk around. The Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market, Long Bien Night Market, and Quang Ba Flower Market are famous for their traditional goods. You’ll find everything from textiles to local foods at these Ta Hien street hanoi markets.
| Night Market | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hanoi Old Quarter Night Market | Authentic Vietnamese handicrafts, clothing, and street food |
| Long Bien Night Market | Vibrant flower stalls, fresh produce, and local culinary delights |
| Quang Ba Flower Market | Stunning array of colorful blooms and fragrant floral arrangements |
Hanoi offers lively nightlife, exciting markets, and a chance to dive into local culture for 4 days. There’s plenty to experience.
Embark on a Day Trip
As you finish your 4-day trip in Hanoi, think about taking a day trip to see the beautiful places and cultural spots outside the city. You can visit the Ninh Binh region’s pagodas or cruise on the stunning karst formations of Halong Bay. These trips let you dive into Vietnam’s diverse beauty and rich culture.
Discover Ninh Binh’s Stunning Landscapes and Pagodas
Head to the Ninh Binh region, known as “Ha Long Bay on land.” Take a boat cruise through the Trang An Landscape Complex. You’ll see towering limestone cliffs, calm rivers, and hidden caves. It’s a true natural wonder.
Visit ancient pagodas like the Bich Dong Pagoda. And don’t miss hiking up to the Mua Cave viewpoint for an amazing view of the landscape.
Cruise Along Halong Bay’s Majestic Karst Formations
A trip to Halong Bay is unforgettable. You’ll cruise through emerald waters and see the iconic limestone islands. The dramatic karst formations, hidden caves, and the calm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are breathtaking. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard and take in the beauty of Halong Bay.
| Day Trip Destination | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ninh Binh |
|
| Halong Bay |
|
Sapa 1 Day Tours
- 1 day experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Rice fields, valleys & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 2 Day Tours
- 2 days 1 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 3 Day Tours
- 3 days 2 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 4 Day Tours
- 4 days 3 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields & villages
- Private tours – Less Touristic
- Vegan-friendly
“Discover the breathtaking landscapes and cultural riches of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh and Halong Bay on a day trip from Hanoi.”
Whether you pick Ninh Binh or Halong Bay, these day trips let you dive into Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders. They make your visit unforgettable.
Experience Vietnamese Cuisine
Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s vibrant culinary scene on your 4-day trip. Start by joining a hanoi cooking class. Here, you’ll learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Join a Cooking Class to Learn Traditional Dishes
First, visit a local market to pick the freshest ingredients. Then, a skilled chef will guide you. You’ll learn how to make dishes like fragrant pho and flavorful banh mi.
This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll understand the rich flavors and traditions behind it.
Indulge in a Street Food Tour of Hanoi’s Best Bites
After learning to cook, explore Hanoi’s Hanoi street food tour. Wander through the Old Quarter to find street food gems. Try the iconic pho and crispy banh mi sandwiches.
This adventure will delight your taste buds. It offers a real look into Hanoi’s street food culture.
“Experiencing Vietnamese cuisine through a cooking class and street food tour was the highlight of our Hanoi visit. We gained a deep appreciation for the flavors, techniques, and traditions that make this cuisine so unique and delicious.”
Whether you love food or are just curious, exploring Hanoi’s culinary scene is a must. From cooking traditional dishes to enjoying street food, this adventure will create lasting memories. You’ll fall in love with Vietnamese cuisine.
Unwind and Rejuvenate
Leave behind the busy streets of Hanoi and find peace at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the city. It’s by the calm West Lake. This place is perfect for relaxing and connecting with Vietnam’s spiritual and cultural roots.
Walking through Tran Quoc Pagoda, we’ll see beautiful architecture and details that have lasted for centuries. The pagoda’s bright colors and the calm lake make a beautiful view. It’s great for finding peace and quiet.
West Lake is peaceful and beautiful, right in the city. We can walk by the lake, enjoy the quiet, or sit and watch the world go by. Whether we’re enjoying the view, being mindful, or visiting nearby temples, Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake will make us feel refreshed and connected to Hanoi’s spirit.
Sapa 1 Day Tours
- 1 day experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Rice fields, valleys & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 2 Day Tours
- 2 days 1 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields and villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 3 Day Tours
- 3 days 2 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valley, rice fields & villages
- Private tours
- Vegan-friendly
Sapa 4 Day Tours
- 4 days 3 night experience
- Moderate to challenging
- Cultural immersion & active adventure
- Mountains, valleys, rice fields & villages
- Private tours – Less Touristic
- Vegan-friendly
